Torrential rain has unleashed devastating landslips and floods across the eastern high ranges of Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts, resulting in one confirmed death and two individuals reported missing. The severe weather began on Friday evening, July 31,2026, and has led to widespread destruction of homes, roads, and agricultural land.
The victim has been identified as Josephin Johny Manappatt, resident of Payanithodu in Poonjar,whose house was buried under debris from a massive landslip . His mother,Rejeena Johny, is currently missing,prompting ongoing search efforts . Another missing person, Prabhakaran Nair from Vaikom,was last seen when a landslide struck the home of Leelamani at Kolahalamedu,near Vagamon.
In Teekoy panchayat, at least four homes were swept away by landslip that struck Muppathekkar settlement. Many residents sustained injuries and have been relocated to the homes of relatives. The flooding has inundated numerous downstream residential areas,affecting houses and businesses alike. Vehicles, including autorickshaws and motorcycles, have either been carried away by the floodwaters or remain trapped beneath the debris .
Authorities have issued high alert for the region, anticipating further landslips and flash floods. The Mundakkayam causeway is submerged, and floodwaters have entered several homes in Kootickal. Low-lying areas in Kanjirappally and Parathode are also under water,with the Erumeli Valiyambalam Temple experiencing flooding.
In Erattupetta,large sections of the town remain flooded,prompting rescue teams to evacuate residents stranded by rising waters. Pala-Erattupetta road has been submerged at Moonnani,while landslips on the Erattupetta-Vagamon road have disrupted traffic. Major rivers in the area,including the Pampa and Manimala,have overflowed their banks,raising concerns about flooding in Pala and surrounding low-lying regions.
Rainfall data from the Automatic Weather Station at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) indicates that Vagamon received 314 mm of rain in the 24 hours leading up to Saturday morning, August 1,2026,while Pathampuzha recorded 179.4 mm . In Pathanamthitta, a soil slip was reported near Thoobakkulam,but no significant damage was noted. The Vadasserikkara region experienced even heavier rainfall, totaling 339 mm.
Ranni town is currently inundated due to runoff from the hills, affecting several roads and commercial establishments. A landslide at Kanamala Attivalavu on the Sabarimala road has blocked traffic as soil has slid onto the roadway. The Pampa river has breached its banks at Aranmula, leading to alerts for Palliyodam snake boats participating in the Aranmula Vallasadya rituals.
While the Moozhiyar dam remains partially open,the shutters of the Maniyar dam are also open for maintenance. The Achankovil river has overflowed,disrupting traffic on the road at Attachackal. Fire and Rescue Services personnel have been deployed to affected areas,and district administrations are coordinating rescue and relief operations . Three relief camps have been established at Kozhencherry, Thiruvalla, and Aranmula to accommodate families displaced by the flooding.
